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DOT commissioner lays out $15 billion five-year capital plan, urges regional priorities
Summary
The Connecticut Department of Transportation commissioner told the Northwest Hills Council of Governments on April 9 that the agency's five-year capital program tops $15 billion, prioritizes bridge preservation and resiliency, and is pressing Congress to maintain federal surface-transportation funding as TRIP grant deadlines approach.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation commissioner visited the Northwest Hills Council of Governments on April 9, 2026 to present the agency's five-year capital program and to hear regional priorities.
The commissioner said DOT —released our five-year capital program, which is over $15 billion plan over a 5-year period,— and emphasized that many projects will focus on preserving aging infrastructure rather than —mega projects.— He described —metalizing— as a preservation technique that removes old (including lead) paint, applies protective treatments and repaints to extend bridge life by decades.
The visit highlighted two funding pressures. The commissioner noted the federal surface transportation authorization (the successor to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) expires Sept. 30, and DOT is urging the congressional delegation to ensure the next bill —maintains the same level of funding adjusting for inflation.— He also said state transportation funding has been stretched by decades of static gas taxes and rising construction costs.
The commissioner encouraged towns to submit local priorities so DOT—s Project Development Unit can perform road safety audits or targeted designs that can be paired with grant programs. He also flagged the TRIP program (applications and support letters in members' meeting packets) and reminded attendees of application deadlines tied to statewide TRIP rounds.
On operational questions he described DOT—s materials decision support system and other tech-driven steps in winter operations, and laid out staff contacts for district-level project delivery and maintenance.
The commissioner closed by reiterating DOT—s interest in partnering with rural communities on repairs, resurfacing and safety audits and said district resurfacing and program materials would be distributed to local officials by DOT staff.
Next steps: DOT will circulate resurfacing lists and TRIP application guidance to towns; the commissioner said the agency will continue to press the congressional delegation for a robust next surface-transportation bill.
